Bird deflector and air replacement system technical field

Abstract

A bird deflector and air replacement system for a jet engine, the bird deflector being conical or arcuate in shape as formed by suitable longitudinal and lateral interconnected bars, and the air replacement apparatus being one of a frustum or a selectively perforated tube or a modified cowl with cooperating external spaced-apart channels or openings formed therearound for directing additional air into the mainstream of the jet engine inlet. The system may be manufactured as an aftermarket add-on, or it may be manufactured as original cowl equipment for respective jet engine models.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This invention relates generally to jet engines' protection from bird strikes, and, more particularly, to a bird deflector and air replacement system for attachment to the frontal surface of a jet engine. Without such external protection, there have been many instances in the past where bird strikes have caused jet engines to fail.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Bird Strike Committee USA was formed in 1991 to promote collection and analysis of accurate wildlife-strike data; promote development of new technologies to reduce wildlife hazards; facilitate exchange of information; and act as a liaison to similar organizations in other countries. It is directed by an eight-person steering committee comprised of two members each from: Federal Aviation Administration; Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Agriculture; and the aviation-industry Wildlife Hazards Working Group, with associate members from 16 other interested groups, including aircraft and aircraft-eng...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0041]A still further object of the invention is to provide a bird deflector and air replacement system, including a conically shaped bird deflector connected to a solid frustum attachable around the front opening in the cowl of a jet engine, the combination deflecting any frontal strikes from one or a flock of birds, and replacing the volume of air blocked by the total area of the deflector components.

[0049]Still another object of the invention is to provide the possibility of enhanced efficiency of the replaced air flow through channels formed as one of nozzles, venturis, or having an orifice formed therein.

Problems solved by technology

The engine failed and shrapnel from it destroyed the no.

The pilot landed the plane safely, but its damage was over $7 million.

The engine lost all power and was destroyed.

To-date, the only practical solutions are relatively primitive: scaring birds from runways by recordings of wild animals and propane cannons that create loud startling noises; and plotting flight paths that avoid heavy migration routes.

These tests might not be rigorous enough, however, considering that the largest Canada geese weigh 14 pounds.

Bird strike hazards are increasing because bird populations in North America are growing and more planes are flying.

Technology also has a part in the growing threat from birds.

This was too late and in too small a number for Germany to prolong the European war.

None of these prior patents has solved the problem of interference with the required air flow dynamics by a frontal engine guard, inasmuch as any frontal interference whatsoever will impede airflow and cause added drag on the engine that makes huge differences in handling and controllability of the aircraft.

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